The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1887-12-28
CHRISTMAS CHIMES.
The Glad Day of all the Year to be Fifty Cele'
brated.--Trees Tonight at the Churches
Interesting Exercises.--Social Holiday
Chit Chat.
From SATURDAYS Daily.


From Saturdays Daily.
Christmas eve has come, and with it the |
thousand joyous impulses the words in
spire. Nearly two thousand years have
waxed and waned since the soft and
beautiful star of Bethlem, shed its ra-
dance in the heavens, betokening savior
born. Since that eve when shepherds
watched their herds by night, it's glorious
prophesy of good to all mankind has been
fulfilled, and tomorrow thankful world
will hail with delight this happy ami
ersary. Few, if they would, can escape
some CLEAN of sunshine, from this hour
To the magdalene trembling at the Savior's
feet, to the convict whose clanking chains
remind him of his thraldom, as we'll as to
the good and pure, some trace is left some
token given, that the worst may look for
mercy, and good deeds for everlasting re-
ward
To the juvenile population particularly,
Christmas is day of all days, anticipated
for weeks and months, as the hour when
rubicund, generous, Kris kingle starts
from the icy regions Of the north upon
his yearly mission. His path is strewn
with gifts to willing subjects. No dis
tinction does he make between rich or
poor. His great warm heart takes IN the
universal world. Upon prince andpeasant
he smiles alike, and none are too unfortu-
nate to share his bounty. While the
Younger members Of the family are chiefly
successful in obtaining trophys of the
dav. few escape the engendered influence
Of exhuberent childish joy. The father IN
) contemplating the pleasure he has provided
J for his little ones, grows young again
The charitable making this their especial
occasion for acts Of kindness, experience
the reacting benefits Of good deeds well
performed To the camp of the miner
and the sick bed of the hospital, the
bright rays of Christmas blessings pene
; trate: In large measure, it is day FOL
domestic joys, but even those OF us who
are not blessed by childrens prattle, &C
whom the word "home" has almost be
6 come meaningless, are awakened tt
+ thoughts of the good old days, long, lon&
8 ago, when we too enjoyed the pleasure Q
: the old freside, scented the fragrance Q
: the steaming board, and in the earl.
hours of morning crept from bed in bar
footed expectancy, to explore the myster.
! Of long wooled stockings, hung close t.
the fireplace to see what Santa Claus ha'
brought for u.s. Yes we are all better an
happier for this day which lays its ham
upon toll and says to all "rejoice and b
glad"
Be merrier merrier young and old
,, Let nothing cloud this happy day
Chime, bells, as if ye never tolled
1t And golden moments stay;
Fold-fold your WINGS delay your flight,
IL Prolong this halloWed day and night.
l. SANTA CLAUS ON THE WING.
n Special to the River Press,
y NORTH POLE, December 2.-Tell tn
Is little folks of Montana that Santa Clau
n started out with his reindeers to-nigh
His sleigh is heavily loaded with present
g of all kinds. Though it is reported thel
is not much snow in Montana it will max
no difference. He will come down tt
chimney as IN foImer years or hang b
gifts on the Christmas trees. He Wi
= certainly pass Through Benton by Satu
4 day night.
- THE CHURCHES.
q AS is usual, the various churches
ID Benton have provided Christmas trees f
n the children of their respective Sundi
n schools, and before this issue appears
print the happy exercises will either be
progress, or have terminated. A report